The best hiking shorts for women, tested on trails, scrambles and sweaty summer hikes

Mountain Warehouse has packed a surprising amount into these hiking shorts for under £30. Between the UPF 50+ protection, durable water-repellent coating, fast-drying fabric and multiple pockets, they feel far more premium than the price tag suggests.

The slightly longer length offers a bit more coverage than some styles on this list, but without veering into overly long or heavy territory, and the ripstop fabric feels reassuringly durable too – the sort of shorts you can happily scrape against rocks or chuck into a backpack on repeat. They're comfy from the off as well, with enough room to move freely on steep climbs and long walks alike.

Storage-wise, there's plenty going on: secure cargo pockets, hand pockets and a back pocket mean there's space for all your trail essentials. We also liked the adjustable built-in belt and cute turned-up hems, though the belt itself doesn't feel quite as sturdy as pricier options.

Hiking, but make it chic. FP Movement is absolutely smashing it of late with its outdoors wear, and these hiking shorts are a prime example, ticking every function and fashion box.

While other active shorts get shorter, these babies are reassuringly long, providing excellent protection on the trails and an extra layer of confidence should you be scrambling up rocks (or trees!).

They're nice and light, dry fast and are very comfortable, even after a long day hiking. The durable material can scrape over rocks and thorns with no bother, while reinforced fabrication and good flex mean you can move freely.

Cargo-style pockets and multiple loops allow you to carry basically everything in/on your shorts (the dream), and the smocked, drawcord waist lets you adjust the fit (while they're designed to be worn around the hips, we found they worked pulled up around the waist too).

Nike's outdoorsy sub-label All Conditions Gear knows a thing or two about making kit that can handle rough terrain, and these hiking shorts are genuinely difficult to fault. Designed and tested in the Dolomites, they're lightweight and roomy through the thighs, making them particularly comfortable on long hikes, steep climbs and anything involving a lot of scrambling about (and ideal if you've been working on those glute gains).

The storage is a real winner here. The front and back pockets are absolutely massive, meaning you can keep essentials like SPF lip balm, snacks or your phone close to hand without constantly rooting through your backpack. The back pocket has a handy press-stud closure, though it's worth noting the others aren't zipped, so we'd still stash valuables away securely for more technical climbs.

The built-in belt is another big plus, letting you easily adjust the fit throughout the day (ideal if you're eating or in a bloated phase of your cycle), while the durable water-repellent finish and UV protection make them well-equipped for sunny trails and unpredictable weather alike.

Consider yourself a trail runner or after shorts that have all of the durability and comfort of hiking shorts but can keep up with your speed? lululemon's Hotty Hot High-Rise shorts are ideal for the occasion. Lightweight, quick-drying, sweat-wicking and roomy for comfort – they're a pair you'll reach for for every occasion.

Because they are running shorts they don't have as much in the way of storage as hiking shorts tend to (a drop-in key pocket on the inside of the back waistband and a small zipped pocket on the left outside). However, they're so comfy, breathable and brilliant for hot weather that they're often what we pack for warmer hikes abroad.

If your ideal hike ends with diving into the nearest body of water, these relaxed shorts from Passenger are well worth packing. Designed for both land and water, they’re made from recycled fishing nets and dry impressively fast, making them ideal for tropical hikes, beach days and travel alike.

They’re seriously lightweight too, taking up barely any room in a suitcase, while the relaxed fit through the leg keeps them breezy and comfortable on humid days. We found them easy to move in across all sorts of terrain, with no restriction whether scrambling over rocks or swimming in the sea. The elasticated waistband and internal drawcord help you tailor the fit, though they sit more mid- to low-rise than high-waisted.

The zipped mesh pockets are handy for essentials – we managed to squeeze goggles in there – though they are on the smaller side. Still, for easy-going adventures, these cute, casual shorts are a dream.

Columbia has nailed the balance between practical and easy-going with these woven hiking shorts. They have a relaxed fit through the leg that feels lovely and breezy on warm hikes, while the barely-there fabric makes them seriously comfortable for long days on the trails.

The 4-inch inseam hits a real sweet spot too – enough coverage to feel secure while still keeping things cool in hot weather. We were particularly impressed by the storage options, especially the roomy cargo pockets that keep smaller essentials like SPF lip balm, snacks or keys close to hand without needing to rummage through a backpack.

We're also big fans of the integrated belt, which adds a touch of outdoorsy style while allowing you to tweak the fit as needed. We tested the mossy green shade and completely fell for the colour, but there are three other on-trend options on offer.

Craghoppers has long been a go-to for practical walking gear, and these cargo hiking shorts are packed with useful features without looking overly technical. The relaxed, slightly flared fit feels very current, while the longer 6-inch length offers a bit more coverage for hiking through brush, long grass or particularly buggy trails.

Speaking of bugs, the standout here is the built-in insect-repellent treatment, which helps protect against biting insects without the need for constant bug spray top-ups – a real plus for travel or humid hikes abroad. They're lightweight, breathable and dry quickly too, with moisture-wicking and anti-odour tech helping keep things comfortable on hotter days.

We also loved the fit. The back waistband is elasticated, making these especially comfy for long walks, while the integrated belt lets you adjust things easily without adding bulk. Storage is solid too, with roomy cargo pockets and a zipped compartment for valuables.

Trust good old Decathlon to come through with an excellent budget pair of hiking shorts. While you shouldn't expect any bells and whistles, these will do the job – and for under £15 you can't really argue with that.

What these shorts do have going for them is excellent sweat-wicking, good coverage and lightweight construction, making them a great option for travel. The material has decent stretch but could be more flexible, and the two thigh pockets, while fairly roomy, aren't zipped. There are also plenty of belt loops that act as useful attachment points.

The waist is semi-elasticated and comfortable, with the option to add your own belt if you wish. Do bear in mind that the cut is fairly slim, and while this isn't restrictive, it may not be to everyone's taste.

Arc'teryx rarely misses when it comes to technical hiking gear, and these airy shorts are a dream for hot-weather hikes. Designed for high-mileage days where you don't want extra bulk weighing you down, they feel airy, breathable and barely-there in the best way possible.

The relaxed A-line fit leaves plenty of room through the thighs – excellent news for anyone who finds tighter hiking shorts restrictive – and they never rode up or felt clingy while walking. The soft, stretchy fabric moves beautifully too, making them just as suited to travel days and city wandering as they are steep trails.

We also loved the expandable dump pockets, which are really handy for stashing larger essentials on the go without having to stop and rummage through your backpack. Add in the comfy elasticated waistband and quick-drying, water-repellent fabric, and you've got a seriously versatile pair of hiking shorts that are very hard to take off once they're on.

While longer is often preferred by hikers, if you find yourself after something a bit shorter with all the durability and trek-friendly tech of your typical hiking shorts then Patagonia has you covered.

Made with a durable, water-resistant material that feels comfortable and lightweight while you walk yet still can hold its own, these 6cm options are a worthy choice.

They do have pockets, but bear in mind they're not zipped and as the shorts are so, well, short, aren't the deepest pockets going.

Also available in a slightly longer 13cm inseam.

These Finisterre hiking shorts are made for movement. Whether you're tackling steep trails, climbing over rocks or heading off on a coastal scramble, the stretchy double-weave fabric moves beautifully with you without ever feeling restrictive or heavy.

The lightweight construction makes them particularly good for summer hikes and travel, while the soft feel and side split detail keep things comfortable even on long days spent outdoors. We found them true to size with just the right amount of room through the leg, and they never dug in or rode up while walking.

Despite feeling light and easy-going, they still come equipped with plenty of technical features, including a PFAS-free water-repellent finish and quick-drying fabric that handles surprise showers well. There's also a secure zipped pocket on the back for valuables, though storage elsewhere is fairly minimal. Still, for hikers who prioritise comfort and freedom of movement above all else, these are hard to beat

Particularly adept for hot days, these hiking shorts from Salomon are ultra-breathable whilst still being able to protect against strong winds and rain using AdvancedSkin technology and recycled four-way stretch fabric.

Their ready-for-anything creds mean they're also great for travel, plus they're lightweight, easily packable and don't hang on to odours – ideal if you can't get to a washing machine as often as you'd like!

Alternatively, if you're after versatility then a longer-length bike short can do the job. This pair from New Balance was designed with high-impact workouts in mind, meaning it offers premium mobility and fast-drying fabric – ideal for hiking.

They've included a silicone stay at the hem of each pant leg so there's no budging no matter how many summits you climb. However, we wouldn't recommend pitting the fabric against thorns or sharp rocks, so if you're after a more hardy pair, opt for more traditional hiking shorts.